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Planet of the Apes: The Most Underrated Trilogy of All Time

The Thrifty Typewriter・36 minutes read

The Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy is an underrated gem that delves into themes of fear, empathy, and the consequences of human greed, exploring the rise of the Apes with a unique perspective and stellar cast. The trilogy follows Caesar's journey from a chimpanzee raised by humans to a powerful leader, showcasing the complexities of alliances, conflicts, and the blurred lines between heroes and villains in a post-apocalyptic world.

Insights

  • The "Planet of the Apes" trilogy, often overlooked in discussions of the best trilogies, delves deep into themes of fear, desperation, and empathy, highlighting the consequences of human greed and incompetence as the driving force behind the Apes' rise to power.
  • Through the character of Caesar, the trilogy intricately balances human and ape perspectives, showcasing the complexities of leadership, mercy, and the consequences of war, ultimately hinting at a future where apes may dominate over humans, emphasizing the parallels between Caesar and the Colonel.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Planet of the Apes trilogy about?

    The Planet of the Apes trilogy follows the rise of intelligent apes led by Caesar, exploring themes of fear, empathy, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

  • Who is the protagonist in the Planet of the Apes trilogy?

    Caesar serves as both protagonist and antagonist, showcasing a unique and tragic narrative that balances human and ape perspectives.

  • What are the main themes explored in the Planet of the Apes trilogy?

    The trilogy delves into themes of fear, desperation, empathy, power, betrayal, and the consequences of war, highlighting the complexities of coexistence between humans and apes.

  • How does the Planet of the Apes trilogy address the rise of the apes to power?

    The rise of the apes is attributed to their intelligence, as well as human greed and negligence, emphasizing the consequences of prioritizing profit over ethics.

  • Who are some of the key characters in the Planet of the Apes trilogy?

    Key characters in the trilogy include Caesar, Koba, Maurice, Rocket, and the Colonel, each contributing to the narrative's exploration of leadership, mercy, and the consequences of war.

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Summary

00:00

Underrated Planet of the Apes Trilogy Explores Humanity

  • The conversation about the best trilogy ever made often includes standard answers like the original Lord of the Rings and The Dark Knight trilogies.
  • The recent reboot of Planet of the Apes is rarely mentioned in these discussions, despite being considered an underrated trilogy.
  • The franchise is often dismissed as unrealistic and silly, but the filmmakers address this by providing a reason for the Apes' rise to power.
  • The trilogy explores themes of fear, desperation, and empathy, focusing on the incompetence and greed of humanity as the driving force behind the Apes' dominance.
  • The first movie, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," follows the story of Caesar, a chimpanzee who rises to power after being raised by a human.
  • The film balances human and ape perspectives, with Caesar serving as both protagonist and antagonist, creating a unique and tragic narrative.
  • The movie features a stellar cast, including James Franco, and showcases impressive cinematography that immerses viewers in Caesar's journey.
  • The rise of the Apes is attributed not only to their intelligence but also to human greed and negligence, highlighting the consequences of prioritizing profit over ethics.
  • The sequel, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," delves deeper into the conflict between humans and Apes, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and survival.
  • The film emphasizes the fragile alliance between humans and Apes, showcasing the consequences of miscommunication and the complexities of coexistence in a post-apocalyptic world.

14:05

War for the Planet of the Apes: Caesar's Legacy

  • The movie involves a plan to eliminate Caesar and shift blame to humans, creating a tense and engaging narrative.
  • The battle sequence is well-shot and tragic, showcasing the complexities of both sides.
  • The film explores the potential for an alliance between Apes and humans, disrupted by a single individual's actions.
  • Viewers can choose sides between Apes and humans, with heroes and villains depicted on both sides.
  • The pacing of the movie is commendable, with the central battle occurring around an hour and 10 minutes into the film.
  • Emotional moments, such as Caesar's reunion with his son and watching recordings of his upbringing, evoke strong reactions.
  • The movie focuses on Caesar's return and his confrontation with Koba, building up to a satisfying climax.
  • The introduction of new characters like Bad Ape adds depth and mystery to the narrative, expanding the world of the Apes.
  • The film delves into themes of leadership, mercy, and the consequences of war, highlighting the parallels between Caesar and the Colonel.
  • The ending of the movie, while bittersweet, provides a fitting conclusion to Caesar's story and the Apes' journey towards survival.

27:56

Caesar's leadership and evolution in trilogy.

  • Caesar aims to lead his ape family, gaining their respect and intelligence in exchange for guidance.
  • Despite facing challenges from his own kind, Caesar's empathy and instincts set him apart, allowing him to save many apes.
  • Caesar's empathy leads to his brother Koba's betrayal, forcing Caesar to restore order and respect among his people.
  • Caesar's need for revenge against the colonel leads to trouble, highlighting the downfall of his own humanity.
  • Caesar's leadership and reliance on others, like Maurice and Rocket, showcase his strength and ability to fulfill promises to his people.
  • The trilogy explores themes of evolution, with apes becoming more human-like, ultimately hinting at a future where apes may dominate over humans.
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